Montboillon: Discover Heritage and Nature

Montboillon lies in the wooded landscape of the Monts de Gy. Ponds are a feature of the municipality, which is crossed by numerous streams. Two different points of interest can help you plan your visit: the Vallon de Fontenelay regional nature reserve and the built, natural and artisanal heritage covered by the Circuit du patrimoine. Saint-Nicolas Church also offers a close-up look at the features of a historic building. You can decide whether to spend your time on a nature route, an informative walk or a challenging mountain bike trail.

The Vallon de Fontenelay: Landscape and Orchids

The 42-hectare Vallon de Fontenelay regional nature reserve extends across Bucey-lès-Gy and Montboillon. Its habitats include meadows, deciduous forests, marl grasslands and fens, representing open areas, woodland and wetland sites. Twenty orchid species have been recorded in the reserve, including the bee orchid and the marsh helleborine. The valley can be reached via hiking trails or mountain bike circuits. However, the heart of the reserve and its most sensitive areas are not equipped to receive visitors.

The Montboillon Heritage Trail

The Circuit du patrimoine starts and ends in Montboillon. The 3 km walking route is rated easy and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The distance, difficulty and time estimate answer different planning questions and can be considered together. This lets you assess the walk in terms of distance, effort and approximate time required.

The route features 13 interpretive panels. They focus on built, natural and artisanal heritage. Its scope therefore extends beyond architectural history alone: nature and crafts are also explicit themes. As an easy route that starts and ends in Montboillon, the walk complements the natural surroundings with a heritage theme of its own.

Saint-Nicolas Church

Saint-Nicolas Church was rebuilt in 1830 and retains its original furnishings and decoration. These include two paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as copper candlesticks from the 18th century. The building’s history and its furnishings are therefore associated with different dates: the rebuilding is dated to 1830, while the objects mentioned are dated by century. These features of the church’s interior offer a further perspective on the building’s history.

Mountain Bike Circuit 59 “Vauvenise”

Mountain bike circuit 59 “Vauvenise” starts at Montboillon Town Hall. It is 18 km long, has an elevation gain of 350 metres and is rated difficult. Compared with the easy 3 km walking route, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, it is a very different route choice: the activity, distance and difficulty level differ. When choosing between the two options, consider whether you prefer an easy walk or a mountain bike trail rated difficult.

Discover more destinations: Dampierre-Sur-Salon, Raddon-Et-Chapendu, Aillevillers-Et-Lyaumont, Briaucourt, Fretigney-Et-Velloreille, Fougerolles, Champlitte, Châteney.

Back to the regional travel overview: Haute-Saône.